Hello Jose

I recently moved to Melbourne from the American Southwest (Arizona), which is awash with great Mexican street food, so I am hard to please when it comes to AusMex. That said, the tacos here were generally quite good. The price was very reasonable at $ 5/​Taco. A far cry from the $ 1.50-$ 2.00 tacos in Tucson, but still very good by Melb standards. The fillings were also very good, especially the beef and the pork. All worth a try. A good variety of sauces and salsas are also on hand, which is essential.
My one complaint is that the tortillas were not cooked enough and were served essentially raw. This is a subtle point, but there is a big difference between a well cooked corn tortilla and one merely warmed up. Also, how about not breading the fish for the fish taco? I haven’t seen a high end fish taco with a grilled Baramundi or something here, but I bet it would go over like gangbusters.
The drinks were also impressive. A great selection of Mexican beers are on display, including the stalwart Tecate and the often elusive Victoria (not to be confused with the Green stubbies of Victoria Bitter also on hand. One is better than the other, can you guess which?). A traveler next to me was shocked by the price. «$ 8 for a Tecate?! That is the same price as a 6 pack of Tecate in the States!» Welcome to Australia buddy (repeal the alcohol excise!!!). What my soused, though green neighbor did not realize given his inexperience is that Hello Jose actually has excellent prices on beer and cocktails for Melbourne. The Margaritas are especially good. Try the spicy Margarita.
All in all, not perfect, but really really good. If you are in the North, worth a try.

$ 10 margaritas on Wednesday and Thursday is an absolute steal, especially when you realise the Tequila used isn’t cheap and nasty. Throw in a couple of decent tacos at $ 5 each and you’ve got yourself a fun night out without needing to sell your first born.
I love the vibe of this small and happening Tequila and Taco bar. There’s barely enough seats for 20 people and the staff are welcoming, fun and make you feel like you’re part of the party. The house-​mad salsas are tasty, though I’d love a little salt on the table to adjust the seasoning of the tacos which were a little under-​done to my taste.
For a quick and friendly neighbourhood bite in a part of town that is sorely lacking for good nightlife options, Hello Jose is terrific.

Who doesn’t love a dose of Mexican food and tequila? Well, maybe tequila isn’t for everyone but you probably secretly enjoy it or haven’t realised it yet.
Hello José brings classic Mexican street food with market-​fresh ingredients and quality tequila to the North Melbourne area in the form a quaint hole-​in-​the-​wall-​style taqueria bar.
Combining a crazy playlist that jumps around various genres of the music of the 90s and early 2000s and creative, comical Mexican and beach themed wall artwork, the whole place just screams fun and reminiscent of beach bars in Mexico itself.
Built around the bar and kitchen area, seating is a handful of small tables, benches and bar seating inside, a small courtyard out the back and some more tables out on the front footpath. The small size of the venue adds a touch of intimacy to the experience.
The food menu is simple but well executed. Tacos, tostaditas, chargrilled corn, quinoa and black bean salad and churros are the options. The tacos are star of the show with the choice of pork belly, chicken, beef, fish and black bean. Tortillas are hand-​pressed fresh each day and ingredients are sourced from the Queen Victoria markets across the road. The pork belly tacos with its crushed crackling is an easy favourite. And at $ 5 each it’s hard to say no to more.
The churros come with the choice of chocolate or chilli chocolate for some added heat.
No Mexican food adventure would be complete without some tequila, good thing you have the choice of twelve different tequilas with a selection of blanco, reposado and añejos on offer. There is also a range of Mexican beers, wine, sangria, horchata and margaritas. A standout is the spicy margarita which has an added spice hit of jalapeño juice. Also of note is the house-​made horchata (rice water, cinnamon and vanilla) with some added tequila.
Service is great with the staff providing friendly banter to everyone.
Hello José brings some quality, honest Mexican street food in a fun and laid back environment to the North Melbourne area and is sure to please all who venture in.

We stopped by this taqueria last month for a late Friday night dinner.
It was packed, but service was friendly and approachable and we were seated as quickly as possible given how hectic it was. We tried all six tacos — they were all amazing. The pork belly taco stole the show with that irresistible crackling, but the slow-​cooked beef was also special. The corn was yummy and they gave free little cups of popcorn while we waited for our food — fresh from an old-​school popping machine.
The sangria was decent, but I would not order the horchata again until they improve it. It was really watered down. I can make better at home. Hopefully they pick up on this and fix it — you can do it guys!!! That was the only negative, but certainly not enough to lose any stars.
Lovely, quirky place with solid tacos.

I think I love my fantastic neighborhood just a little bit more after discovering this gem the other night. If your local, make sure you walk because the margaritas are so good you’ll have more than you planned.
Everything I tried was delicious but the pork taco with tiny bits of crunchy crackle topping was pretty special.

Jose tu es me favorito!!! As a real Mexican food lover in a city full of pretentious Mexican fusion restaurants with margaritas in martini glasses, I was delighted to see a cozy restaurant where the owners will gladly have a shot of tequila with you.
How can you go wrong with fresh corn tortillas? Add inexpensive drinks and awesome home made salsa and I feel like I’m back in the states! We were all broke and headed to Mexican wrestling so it was the perfect pairing. Started with a $ 6 tecate and for an extra $ 1 made it a michalada — Highly recommended. Corn starter was delightful As were the tacos, 2 for $ 10. The slow cooked beef was my favorite. Margaritas are served in tumblers on ice or blended. On Wednesday and Thursday they are only $ 10, usually $ 14 I believe. Let’s go back to the tacos, fish looked awesome with just the right amount of sauce, pork belly was delightful with that crunch and the beef well it melted in my mouth. Churros, get the chili chocolate and tequila to finish it all off, add one of their chasers although you don’t really need it. Everything was reasonably priced, I actually preferred the $ 27 a bottle of Pinot Grigio but I think the most expensive was $ 37. Then my favorite way to round it out, tequila. The selection is not overwhelming and includes quality simple descriptions that will help non-​tequila drinkers pick.
I will be back and once you go, I have a feeling you will be back as well. Hasta pronto!